Help – my carbon steel has rusted!
Help – my carbon steel has rusted!
Don't panic—our carbon steel pans are made of a high proportion of iron, so it is quite normal for rust to form on contact with moisture. You should, therefore, avoid storing your pan in high humidity (e.g., in an outdoor kitchen) or soaking it in water. It is also advisable to ensure your pan is completely dry after cleaning before you put it away. However, if your pan becomes rusty, it's okay: with the following tips, you can make it fit for use again in a few simple steps.
Remove rust
With a salt mixture
This method is more suitable for removing more minor rust stains. To do this, mix coarse salt and a high-heat oil in your pan to create a coarse paste. Massage this into the affected areas with a paper towel or soft cloth - if the salt dissolves after a while, add a little more. This little "peeling" should easily remove superficial rust. If a larger part of the surface of your pan has been affected by rust, it may be advisable to re-bake the pan. Please take a look at our baking instructions here.
With steel wool
Steel wool is an excellent way to remove more significant areas of rust from your pan. To do this, scrub in a circular motion with the steel wool over the areas affected by rust until the rust has been removed. You should then completely remove the patina from your pan by washing it with soap and hot water. After that, you'll need to season your pan again, and it will be as good as new! Please take a look at our baking instructions here
With vinegar
For very stubborn rust, spot treatment with salt or steel wool is sometimes not enough - here, you have to resort to harsher means. To do this, fill your pan with equal parts light-coloured vinegar and water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Pour the mixture away and scrub the pan thoroughly with soap and hot water. The pan must then be baked again! Please take a look at our baking instructions here
Prevent rust
Ideally, of course, your pan should never rust. To prevent this, a few simple tips help keep your carbon steel rust-free.
- Always dry your pan carefully after cleaning it with water.
- It is also advisable to heat the pan on a low heat on the hob afterwards to evaporate any residual moisture.
- You can then rub the still-hot pan with high-heat oil - and wipe off any excess oil so that no uneven patina forms later. The thin layer of oil now protects your pan from rusting during storage!
